Command: Mt. 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

FEFC Vision: To be a growing, healthy, bible-rich, doctrinally sound, grace-oriented church in Hernando County situated in the most strategic location possible for future growth in the county. To provide expansive opportunities for believers to minister in our community.

We want our church to be in a position to invest in future generations which will bring God’s blessing on Hernando County and the world. We believe the gospel and the Word of God perpetuated through the local church is the preserving agent in society. By God’s grace and if the Lord tarries, our church will be central and actively engaging the residents of Hernando County for generations to come; no matter what happens politically, economically, socially, morally or spiritually in the United States.

Is the Gateway building the place God has prepared for us for potential ministry in Hernando County? While the Gateway Building on Hwy. 41 would provide a wonderful opportunity for our church to experience expansive growth and influence, we don’t know the exact answer to this question. If the Lord provides, the answer would be YES. If the Lord does not provide, the answer would be NO or WAIT. However, our Vision is not necessarily tied to a specific location and building. God may lead, direct or make other provisions in other ways. The leadership of this church is committed to keeping our hearts, eyes, ears and hands open to what the Lord provides. At this time, we see the Gateway building on Hwy. 41 as most fitting with our vision since the location and building would also provide easy access, visibility, and room to minister in creative ways to our community (listed on pages 2-3). In the right location and setting, our church has the potential to become a well of living water to the entire Hernando county area.

The church, more than any business or enterprise, should be at the forefront of action and opportunities. We want to be in a position to provide the best of what “Church” offers within the community – a clear gospel for the unsaved and sound teaching from the Word of God for the saved, as well as exemplifying the character of Christ through godly, moral living (salt & light) in the world. Any good business with a good product wants to maneuver into a position to move that product into greater opportunity for exposure and access to the consumer; for instance, who wouldn’t want to get their product into Walmart? The gospel and the Word of God, being of infinite value should be most accessible to the public!

Opportunity is knocking

(Acts 16:9) “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

We can envision many opportunities with a better location and the right facility.

Having a larger facility in a very central location provides a great opportunity for formal Bible Training – like a Bible Institute, College or Seminary.

Or, becoming a Moody Bible Institute or Dallas Seminary extension campus. These institutions rarely consider a small church “off the beaten path.” They want campuses that would serve the region – in our case from Tampa to Citrus.

But a very enticing option would be to start our own formal bible training such as the Simple Bible Training College for training and multiplying church-planters, missionaries, pastors, teachers, leaders…

Start, or host, a Christian school centrally located on a major highway

Host a home-school coop

Host Christian recreational programs (karate, dance, sports etc.)

Host Bible conferences with well-known speakers

Host Christian concerts

Hurricane or emergency shelter (central and with easy access)

Have access, exposure and opportunity in reaching out to the African American community in Brooksville

Host local football or sports teams and annual awards banquets with a meal (something the public schools are cutting out because of lack of time, space and resources)

Host different football teams together for FCA functions

Offer the facility to local high school baccalaureate services

Offer the facility to the ministerial association for special community services

Making the facility available to the county in case of a community emergency

As a ministry, we could make the facility available for public or private uses – simply because of the availability of a nicely appointed, FREE, central & easy to get to location, with a large meeting capacity

Sanctity of Life fund raisers like A Women’s Resource Center

Host and highlight other local parachurch ministries

Share the facility with a Messianic Congregation

Facts about our current situation and this opportunity

Our current location is not bad for west Spring Hill, but it’s very limited as far as the rest of Hernando county is concerned.

The 41 location is accessible to the entire county and possibly the best location in Hernando county (see maps below)

FEFC has been faithful with a little, and we believe the Lord will entrust us with a greater sphere of influence.

We need a larger facility in a better location to accommodate expansive growth.

Principles to guide us

Prayer is paramount

Jas. 5:16 “…the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.”

The Elders, leadership and church family would need to prayerfully and reverently pursue this mission, endeavoring to walk through this uncharted territory in the fear of the Lord. We don’t want to presume on the Lord’s will. We believe that “unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.”

God’s will is not always easy – there will be difficulties in any move or transition, but obstacles and trials do not necessarily dictate God’s will.

There are many biblical examples of God calling a person or people to a task or assignment while facing difficulties along the way, e.g. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua etc. The mission from God was clear however, the ways and means were not often laid out ahead of time. God required them to walk with Him through the trials from which they grew. We are committed to walking with the Lord through the process of moving or expanding knowing there will be many challenges requiring lots of faith along the way.

We will not borrow money or take a loan.

Rom. 13:8 “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another;…”

Prov. 22:7 “…the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.”

Since we’ve covenanted not to borrow money, we will truly know God’s provision each step of the way. God also has plenty of room to close the door if He sees fit.

God’s will must not be compromised

Prov. 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

If there’s a clear biblical principle or precept we know to be true,

then it must be followed as best as we can without compromise.

Finances – Estimated Costs

Refitting the Gateway building $960,000 (estimated figure for 450-600 people)

Proposed offer to purchase the land and building $600,000

Estimated total cost: $1.6 million

Proposed* Financial Coverage

God’s provisions rarely look like man’s predictions

$105,000 Member commitments as of Sept. 2017

$500,000 Non-member gifts

$250,000 Non-member pledge (this commitment hasbeen made by an outside donor with the contingency of being fulfilled by other outside donors)

$250,000 Non-member matching pledge(s)

$3-600K Sale of current property

$5-800K The outstanding need for gifts will be dependent on the sale of our property along with the seller’s acceptance of our offer on the property on Hwy. 41. Our goal at this point is to raise 800K.

One final thought

We have a clear gospel and we preach God’s Word rightly divided. It would be very appropriate to pray:

“God, we have a willing heart, a clear gospel and we preach Your Word.

We’re asking You to open this door of ministry and expand the influence of this ministry.”

How Can I Help?

I understand that my contribution commitment will be entered into a collective fund in hopes of matching an outside donor’s commitment of $250,000.

I am aware that my commitment will help determine our ability to present an offer to purchase the property.

I understand that committed moneys must be received during contract period if offer is accepted. (Tentative Goal: May 2018)

I have carefully sought the Lord in prayer and by faith I commit $ to the Mission 41 Community Matching Challenge.

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